I was reading an article in a magazine on archaeology commenting
how the "fanatic" group, ATRA KADDISHA, hampers excavations
when graves are unearthed in Israel. I'm interested why we can't
relocate graves. The article quoted a Talmudic source that in
the times of the Mishna, cities that were expanding were allowed
to relocate a grave site.

Another thing: I imagine that graves are considered 'holy'
places, but at the same time they are "impure." I am
looking for a good explanation on how something can be both holy
and impure at the same time? Shalom,

Dear Eddie,

Speaking of archeology, did you hear that they discovered a three
thousand year old city in Israel with evidence that everyone in
the city had cellular phones? That's right. They searched the
entire city and didn't find a single telephone wire!

But back to your question. In general, it's forbidden to move
a body, even bones, from one grave to another. Besides the disrespect
to the deceased, the departed soul experiences pain when his body
is dug up.

In certain situations, however, moving graves is permitted. For
example, when the move is for the good of the departed, such as
moving him to his family plot. And as you wrote, one may move
graves located in an area needed by the public - provided no alternate
site exists.

However, the remains must be treated with respect and reburied
in an assigned plot. Not just thrown away or put on display.

Based on photos and eye-witness accounts of construction sites
and archeological digs in Israel, bones are tossed around, piled
into bags, and discarded in a most irreverent way. The members
of the Atra Kaddisha are simply trying to safeguard the
sanctity of their ancestors' graves. (Atra Kaddisha means
'the holy place.')

You asked, "how can graves be holy yet impure?" Man
is made of two aspects: Body and soul. While the dead body is
impure, the soul, which is still related to the body, is holy.